As someone who is not very patient, I love spray paint because it provides almost instant gratification. It dries fast, gives a professional finish, comes in thousands of colour and can even protect items inside or outside your home from rust and corrosion.
We’re always on the lookout for amazing products to add to our shelves so this week our Pinterest boards are full with spray paint projects as we research a new brand (stay tuned for more info soon!). In the meantime, I stumbled onto some quick and easy up-cycling ideas you can try at home!
You don’t need to spend a fortune to decorate your table or mantle. Gather up old wine bottles left over from the weekend (or ask your friends and family), tape a simple design and give them a stylish new look with a couple spray paint colours. In half an hour you’ll have a beautiful vase ready to fill with simple greens and display in your favourite spot.
Got a dated light fixture? My parents renovated their house in the 90’s so it was full of those brass chandeliers. Because of the their intricate design, it would have taken forever to paint by hand but spray paint would have make an update fast and easy! Try a simple silver or have fun with a funky colour.
Got an old lamp that no longer matches or has seen better days? Because of the high humidity and the salt in the air, metal corrodes much faster in Bermuda than in other places. Spray paint is a great way to freshen up that table accessory.
A couple of years ago I painted all of the wooden doors inside our house a bright white. To give them a flawless finish, I took off all the hardware and door knobs. Over the years, rust had started to damage the metal so I took the opportunity to clean them up, prime them with a rust inhibiting spray and freshen up with new coat of spray paint. They still look great after a few years and I didn’t have to rush around looking for replacement hinges that would fit.
Let’s face it – some things are a just a pain to paint. Wicker and metal chairs are almost impossible to paint with a brush. Spray paint can get into all those nooks and crannies quickly and give your furniture a flawless finish. Why not experiment with fun colours like these cheerful chairs?
Spray paint may be easy but here are a few tips to make sure your project is a success.
As with all DIY projects, preparation really is a large part of the job – especially when you’re spray painting. Make sure to get rid off any loose paint on your surface then use sandpaper or a wire brush to get rid of any rust or corrosion. It’s not a lot of fun but rust is persistent and will continue to eat away at your piece if you don’t remove it. If you want to start with a clean slate, consider removing old layers of paint with a chemical stripper. I love Dad’s Easy Spray because it’s fast and strong but always remember to wear skin/eye protection to prevent injury.
Even though some spray paints are self priming it’s usually not enough to protect your piece from our harsh marine environment. Invest in a good primer and it will not only help to protect your surface but also ensure that your paint sticks well for a durable and long lasting result. There are a lot of different products so ask us which one is right for you.
VENTILATE! Always use spray paint outside or in a well ventilated space and wear a respirator to protect your lungs (and gloves to keep your hands clean). Spray paints often have a strong smell which can linger for a few days so make sure to keep a fan on or open a window.
Keep overspray to a minimum by placing smaller items into a cardboard box for spraying. Your lawn will thank you.
Before and during spraying, shake the can every few minutes. There’s a little ball bearing inside that mixes the paint for an even colour. When you’re finished but still have some paint left, turn the can upside down, point away from you and press the nozzle until no more paint comes out. This helps to prevent clogs so you can use the same can in the future.
Finally, spray cans are filled with propellant so make sure to store them in a cool dry place away from heat and sunlight do they don’t explode. Never puncture a can and make sure to dispose of any left over spray paint responsibly.
Need a little help picking the right paint color for your space? See how my virtual color consulting service can help. Click here to learn more.